CANYONS WINS COMMUNITY COLLEGE GOLF TOURNAMENT

College of the Canyons posted a 36-hole team score of 744 to capture the 2002 California Community College Men's Golf State Championship Monday at the S.C.G.A. Members course in Murrieta.

The Cougars edged College of the Desert (746) for the team title, marking the third golf title for Canyons and the second in three years. The Cougars also won the 2000 title.

Saddleback finished third (756).

Desert had a three stroke lead over both Canyons and Saddleback after the 18-hole morning round, thanks to even-par 72's carded by Ryan Ressa, Harvey Pegram and Mike Rowe. However, the winds picked up in the afternoon and smoke from the Coto de Caza fire soiled the air, making the afternoon round a bit more tricky.

Canyons' Brad Uptgraft and Jay Montes carded 1-over-par 73's in the afternoon and Tommy Barber fired a 74 to set up the comeback. The two teams were tied in the battle for the title with only Canyons' Tommy Mansuwan still on the course representing either team. Mansuwan, who fired a 1-under-par 71 during the morning round, needed to card something better than a 78 to break the tie. When he made it to the clubhouse, he reported a 76 which gave the Cougars the title.

Ressa was the tournament medalist with an even-par 144 (72-72). Saddleback's Vinnie Poncino (70-75) and Long Beach City's Brian Gonzales (69-76) finished a stroke back at 145. Barber, Montes and Mansuwan each ended up with 147's. All six of these golfers earned all-state recognition.

Reported by Jerry Hannula, Saddleback College Sports Information Director